Picture Of The Week 05-18-09

Barred Owl
(Strix varia)

Where: Chesterfield County, VA • Henricus Conservation Area Notes: This was taken near the James River along a woodland path on an early morning stroll with a fellow photographer. From the corner of my eye, I happened to catch the motion of a large bird's wing-beat as it flew through the forest canopy just behind us. I turned to see what had landed some forty feet up in the trees. Much to my surprise, there was one, no two, no three owls; two adults and one owlet! Apparently this adult had caught a rodent and was delivering it to the youngster for breakfast (left). The other adult owl was sitting on a branch not far from the baby. They looked at us, we took a few photographs and then continued our walk so the baby could get fed without our disturbance. Barred Owls eat a wide variety of foods including: mammals, birds, herps, fish, crayfish and insects. I was delighted with this encounter and to have witnessed a moment of this family's growth.

Equipment: Canon EOS 40D • Canon 100-400mm Zoom L Series Lens • Hand Held

Exposure: Shutter Speed = 320 second • Aperture = f 7.1 • Exposure Mode = Aperture Priority • Focus Mode: One Shot • Lens (Focal) Length = 400 mm • ISO = 400 • Aprox. Camera Distance = ~40 Feet • Date Shot: 05-13-09

©2009 Robert W. Schamerhorn. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.

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This photograph is available on archival premium luster photopaper. Quality prints come signed by the artist, matted (white) with backing board and clear protective polypak. Satisfaction Guaranteed or Full Refund. A portion of the proceeds goes to support avian habitat conservation efforts.

PRINT: Barred Owl (No. 4002)
Size: 8" x 10" • Signed Print with 11" x 14" White Matte • S&H Included
Item: BAOW(IMG_4002)8X10 . . . $39.95

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